TNO and Japanese counterpart AIST plan to expand cooperation
On 30 October 2024, TNO and the Japanese AIST Group (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and AIST Solutions Co (AISol) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their existing cooperation across a wide range of technological fields.
AIST is one of the largest public research organisations in Japan in the field of R&D of technologies that are useful to Japanese industry and society, focusing on bridging the gap between innovative technological ideas and the market.
AISol is a group company of AIST newly established on 2023 for the purpose to accelerate implementation of the research results of AIST in society. It provides technological assets, coordinates joint research projects, carry out proof-of-concept projects, develops supply chains, and creates startups.
AIST and TNO have already been collaborating in the fields of wind energy and hydrogen energy. The planned expansion of cooperation is the result of discussions held in May 2024 between AIST President & CEO Mr. Ishimura, AISol President & CEO Mr. Osaka, and TNO CEO Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi. New possibilities for collaboration have been found in areas relevant to all AIST’s research departments, including Smart Mobility, Quantum Technology, as well as the social implementation of research results from both parties.
The parties expect that the conclusion of the MOU will lead to cooperation in a wide range of fields in both Japan and the Netherlands. Through the exchange of information and experiences with TNO, AISol will further strengthen its marketing capabilities by gaining expertise in open innovation with companies and the creation of startups.
TNO as knowledge partner in the APAC region
Exponential population growth, urbanisation, climate change, economic growth, and geopolitical shifts underscore the need for innovation in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Certain organisations in APAC are valuable partners for TNO's vision on achieving the Three Zeros: Zero Calamities, Zero Emissions, and Zero Loss. In APAC, TNO recognises many topics of mutual interest, and similar if not higher urgency, to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.